UpdateThe Cumbre Vieja on the Spanish island of La Palma is still far from being laid back. Today, about 100 earthquakes were measured around the volcano, one of which was the strongest since the volcanic eruption on September 19. In addition, the lava flowing out of the holes and cracks is hotter, thinner and faster than before.
That is why people had to be evacuated again on La Palma today. About 300 this time. New lava flows threaten to engulf their homes. This brings the total number of evacuations to more than 7,000, television channel RTVE reported.
Since the northern flank of the volcanic cone collapsed on Saturday, lava flows towards the sea have increased along and through inhabited areas. The lava that comes out of the volcano is about 1200 degrees hotter than before and therefore thinner and somewhat faster. So far 1,548 buildings have been destroyed and an area of 680 hectares is covered with lava and ash. There were no casualties due to the timely evacuations.
Meanwhile, the ground on La Palma is constantly shaking. One of about 100 recorded earthquakes had a magnitude of 4.5, the strongest since the volcano’s eruption in mid-September. After three weeks, the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja is not yet in sight.
The airport on the island is still operational, but it is served by only a few airlines. Air traffic to the more famous tourist destinations in the Canary Islands, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, is normal.
Watch our videos about the volcanic eruption on La Palma in the playlist below:
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